Written questions by Norman.

On what statutory authority Companies House is able to exclude non-digital in-writing applications for director ID verification.

The statutory authority for Companies House to exclude non-digital applications for identity verification is provided by sections 1068 and 1117 of the Companies Act 2006, which enable the registrar to impose requirements as to the form and manner of the delivery of applications via the registrar’s rules. Individuals can verify their identity through Companies House routes or via an Authorised Corporate Service Provider. The verification process has been designed to be as straightforward and accessible as possible and where identity cannot be verified online, users may be directed to complete the process in person at a participating Post Office.

Whether Companies House undertook an equality impact assessment in relation to its changes to the director ID verification requirements.

Equality impacts were considered as part of the Impact Assessment prepared for the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Bill, which introduced identity verification requirements. It concluded the measures are not expected to have any disproportionate impact on individuals with protected characteristics.Companies House allow individuals to verify their identity via Authorised Corporate Service Providers, or GOV.UK One Login. Where identity cannot be verified online, users may be directed to complete the process in person at a participating Post Office. Companies House also provides tailored support through its contact centre to assist users who may require additional help.

Whether Companies House is taking steps to protect directors from penalties due to the gap between statutory written options and digital-only guidance.

There is no divergence in the standard of identity verification that must be achieved via the digital, non-digital and hybrid routes. Secondary legislation, Registrar's Rules and published guidance set out identity verification requirements and empower the Registrar of Companies to establish the mechanisms through which this standard can be achieved.The level of confidence that must be met to provide assurance that a person is who they claim to be is consistent across all routes to verification. The acceptable forms of documentation for each option have been clearly set out in Registrar's Rules and supporting guidance.